NGCP procuring 400 MW in ancillary services

THE National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) said it will conduct an auction to procure over 400 megawatts (MW) of ancillary services (AS)to meet its reserve power requirements.

According to the terms of reference published on its website, the NGCP announced competitive bidding for certified AS providers for the Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao grids.

Power supplied by AS providers kicks in after the NGCP’s long-term suppliers report shortfalls in their output. The grid requires a certain level of capacity to maintain system reliability and stability.

The auctions cover various types of AS, including regulating reserve, contingency reserve, dispatchable reserve, reactive support, and black start services.

The NGCP plans to procure 141 MW worth of AS for Luzon, 133 MW for the Visayas, and 47 MW for Mindanao.

For black start services, or the process of restoring an electrical power system after a complete blackout, the NGCP is seeking 150 MW of capacity.

According to the notice of invitation to bid, interested bidders may submit expressions of interest on Feb. 25, prior to the pre-bid conference on March 6.

The deadline to submit bids is March 23-25, with the opening of bids taking place the day following each submission date.

NGCP last auctioned AS deals in 2023. Contracts agreed in the wake of such procurement exercises are subject to Energy Regulatory Commission approval. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera